Arielle’s Top Three Things About Working at the Jewish Museum of Maryland

When recalling this past summer and reflecting on all of my experiences interning at the Jewish Museum of Maryland, I cannot believe where all the time has gone – it has certainly gone by quick. As I begin my last few weeks as an Education and Programming intern at the JMM, I certainly have a lot to reflect on.

If I could make a numbered list of the top three things about working at the JMM it would probably go like this:

Arielle’s Top Three Things About Working at the Jewish Museum of Maryland

Number 3: Getting to know Jewish Baltimore

For me, one of the best parts of working at the JMM has been learning about Baltimore’s Jewish history. Before I began this internship, I literally knew nothing about Baltimore Jewish history, except that the city had one. I tell my co-interns all the time how it’s funny that although I’ve lived in Baltimore for two years studying at Johns Hopkins, there was so much I didn’t know about the city that I lived in or the Jewish people that called it home. From the immigration story beginning at Locust point, to the once booming Corned Beef Row on Lombard Street, to the amazing stories of the museum’s two historic synagogues, there’s certainly a lot to learn about Baltimore and its fascinating Jewish history. I’ve had the pleasure to learn a lot! Getting to know Baltimore has certainly been a highlight of this summer for me and I can’t wait to keep learning more.

It was awesome getting to know one of Baltimore’s most amazing Jewish residents, the AH-Mazing Mendes Cohen! What an interesting Baltimorean with an amazing story. Be sure to check out the JMM’s new exhibit about him this fall.

Number 2: Getting to know the Staff, Volunteers, and Interns

In my past seven weeks at the JMM, I have loved getting to know all of the members of the hard working staff, volunteers, and interns. The staff at this museum is truly incredible. When you look at all the work they do, and the cheerful attitude they maintain while doing it, you are reminded that you are in an atmosphere of not only professionals, but people passionate about telling the Baltimore Jewish story. I absolutely loved working in the Education Department’s “West Wing” and I know that I am walking away not just with fond memories, but also with important skills and many lessons learned. The staff at the JMM has been so welcoming and kind and I have learned a great deal just by working with them all.

Although sadly we didn’t have Abby to join us in this picture, I am especially thankful to Ilene and Trillion and the rest of the Education Department for welcoming us to the JMM and giving Emma and me such a great summer.

Moreover, to the volunteers, I am inspired by your commitment to the museum and time put in, and I have loved getting to know you all. To Lois and Wendy, thanks for being amazing teachers when it came to giving tours and thank you for all of your kindness. Also, to my co-interns, you girls all rock. You guys are seriously the best group of interns a girl could ask to work with and I’ve loved getting to know each of you and wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Intern Emma and I playing dress up one morning. We dressed up as Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln using costumes from last year’s exhibit on the civil war. Even interns can be silly sometimes.

Lastly, Number 1: Getting to know the JMM visitors

For me the best part of working at the Jewish Museum of Maryland has been working with museum visitors. The experiences of the visitors are the reason that all of the staff and volunteers at the museum work as hard as they do. They are the reason that museums exist! Highlights for me have been getting to know the student camp groups that came in all throughout June and July. The students were lovely, curious, and always excited to learn. I particularly loved showing them the Electrified Pickle exhibit – an exhibit that both I and my co-intern Emma helped put together. Another highlight was helping coordinate the logistics and attending the JMM’s Summer Teachers Institute for Holocaust Educators. I must thank Deborah for including me in this amazing program and I loved meeting so many educators of the Holocaust and learning about this history alongside them. I hope that while spreading the important meaning of the Holocaust to their own students, these teachers will bring their students to the JMM where they can learn even further about the history of the Jewish people.

Folders given to all teachers attending the STI program

An example I made for students during an activity connected to the Electrified Pickle exhibit. The students loved playing with the play dough and LED lights – plus they learned about conductive and insulating electricity!

Anyways, thanks so much for reading. Thank you Jewish Museum of Maryland for giving me such a wonderful summer and I know that these last three weeks of my internship are going to speed by quick.

All the best,

Arielle

I took this photo on my first day on the job when I excitedly arrived at the JMM. I can’t believe it’s already been nine weeks since that point – time flies when you’re having a good time.

A blog post by Education Intern Arielle Kaden. To read more posts from interns click HERE.